Scope
ESI suppliers must become "preferred suppliers," within 24 months, before they are eligible to participate in the Certification Process. This page specifically defines supplier qualification procedures and assessment rating criteria.
ESI is receptive to the wide varieties of products, facilities, and management styles; therefore, proposed variations to qualification assessment criteria will be accepted providing such variations meet or exceed the quality system elements and objectives recommended in the Supplier Quality System.
Self-Evaluation
Prior to scheduling the initial official assessment, the supplier will first be contacted and requested to: (1) conduct a self-assessment of their operation and quality system using the Supplier Development and Qualification Assessment (see Assessment Surveys); and (2) submit the results of their self-assessment along with their quality system manual to an ESI Supplier Quality Engineer for pre-assessment review.
This is the period in which the Supplier Quality Engineer will answer supplier questions regarding quality system objectives and qualification criteria. Upon request, we can also provide our technical assistance to help the supplier adjust or improve their quality system.
Note: Qualification ratings are computed from on-site assessment results conducted by the ESI Supplier Quality Engineer only; therefore, the supplier will not be officially rated from self-assessment results. The self-assessment will be utilized to plan the on-site evaluation. Top
Qualification Assessment
Initial and periodic official qualification assessments are scheduled and conducted at the supplier's manufacturing facilities by the ESI Purchasing and Supplier Quality Engineer representatives.
These assessments are designed to evaluate the capability of the supplier's operations and quality system and to predict anticipated performance levels of product quality and delivery in the production phase. Assessment results are used in our supplier selection process, or, if the supplier was previously selected, the assessment alerts Purchasing, Quality and Supplier Quality Engineer to areas targeted for supplier improvement.
Qualification Assessment Report
The Supplier Development and Qualification Assessment is the questionnaire and checklist used during the qualification assessment and for computing the rating of the supplier's operation and quality system. The questions are grouped into sections by key elements and represent contemporary industrial quality system objectives. Each question cross-references the element, section and sub-section from which it was developed in this standard. The completed report also reflects important logistic information about the supplier's organization. Top
Qualification Assessment Rating
The qualification rating is computed by a scoring procedure provided on the assessment report. Since some elements of the quality system are obviously more important than others, a weighted-point scheme is included in the scoring procedure. Suppliers are encouraged to strive for achieving a score of 100% for each element. However, element scores of 85% or higher in each element are necessary to be eligible for a Preferred rating status. An element score 75% or higher represents the minimum acceptable level of qualified rating status. Element scores of less than 75% are marginally acceptable for short term, and require a written supplier commitment or corrective action to improve their score.
Scoring Guidelines
The scoring guidelines are:
RATING POINTS OF "2" Meets the requirement (implemented). The supplier maintains a high level of performance and generally exceeds accepted standards and expectations. Objectives are documented and a genuine commitment to continuous improvement is an integral part of the supplier's quality processes. Improvements are regularly realized. Unusual non-recurring problems are properly considered and generally well handled. Evidence of objectives and commitment are available.
RATING POINTS OF "1" Meets some of the requirement (planned but not developed). The supplier performance falls short of meeting minimum requirements and expectations. Supplier acknowledges the need to improve, and can demonstrate that shortcomings have been identified and plans are being developed for positive progress within a reasonable period of time. Supplier requires considerable assistance from ESI to ensure momentum is being maintained.
RATING POINTS OF "0" Does not comply (not planned). The supplier falls well below generally accepted standards and expectations, displays a lack of awareness and general reluctance to recognize the need for improvement. Activities are not documented and there is no tangible evidence of implementation of required activities. Major shortcomings are evident with the need for substantial efforts and improvements being necessary to reach the minimum level of acceptance. ESI's assistance is always required.
RATING POINTS OF "NA" (not applicable) does not apply to a certain question or questions that are being asked because of the time period the assessment is being conducted or the type of supplier. Top
Sample Calculation
Here is a sample calculation of formula for each element:
____ (Total points)/____(Total possible) x 100% (Percent) = _____(Score per element)
58 (Total points)/ 64 (Total possible) x 100% (Weight Factor) = .90
- An assessment score total of less than 70% will receive a NOT QUALIFIED rating.
- An assessment score total of 70 to less than 80 will receive a QUALIFIED rating.
- An assessment score total of 80 to 90% will receive a CERTIFIED rating.
- An assessment score total of 90 to 100% will receive a PREFERRED rating.
The supplier may not have less than 90% on any element.
Qualification normally requires a minimum assessment rating of 75% or higher; however, corrective action may also apply depending on the nature of deficiencies found during the assessment.
Suppliers that meet the QUALIFIED rating can work toward achieving "PREFERRED" rating by implementing a continuous improvement plan to meet the preferred rating requirements. Unless otherwise specified, suppliers that fail to meet the 75% minimum rating on the initial assessment shall be subject to a 90-calendar day probationary period to make the necessary improvements per a formal continuous improvement plan. After the 90-day period, a corrective action follow-up assessment shall be conducted by an ESI SQE or by the supplier, depending on the degree of action required. Suppliers that fail to meet the minimum rating on a corrective action follow-up assessment will be subject to disqualification. Top
Joint Manufacturing and Quality Review
Before or after first article review, the supplier may be contacted by Purchasing and requested to make a one-day visit to the ESI user plant. Supplier representatives should include members from quality assurance and manufacturing at a minimum.
This all-encompassing review helps the supplier to secure a more comprehensive understanding of manufacturing, quality, and delivery requirements prior to production start-up. The one-day agenda will cover the following details:
- A plant tour and demonstration of product application and function.
- Review of the results of the first article samples and or the initial production units and any product specification change requests.
- Classification of product quality characteristics, including finish standards, and associated acceptable quality levels.
- A review of the supplier's process control flowchart, a complete list of the supplier's available measurement equipment, and proposed methods of part measurement and acceptance sampling plans.
- Review of purchase order delivery requirements, schedules, and Supplier Quality Requirements.
- Review of receiving inspection parameters, performance rating systems, and the certification process.
- A brief overview on short and long-term supplier management goals.
All regulatory codes, safety, health, and environmental requirements must be met.
As an alternative, ESI may elect to cover this joint review by conference with the supplier.
Whatever the circumstances, ESI urges the supplier to develop a thorough understanding of our requirements as early in the project as possible and to address their needs to us as well.
Suppliers are not required to be registered to quality standards, but it is preferred. Top
Follow-up Assessments
Follow-up assessments will be performed every 24 months (or sooner at the Buyer, Supplier, Supplier Quality Engineer or Supplier Quality Manager's request) to monitor the supplier's progress on corrective actions and their continual improvement plans. If a supplier is on a preferred status, a self-assessment can be performed in lieu of a site visit. Top